Life. Liberty. And the pursuit of God.

This summer I have taken quite a bit of time to re-focus the church on what is central to our mission (worship, fellowship, service). Tightening up and clarifying our purpose empowers us to take some next steps this fall. As Dayspring moves forward with some big new directions like property and possibly a building, we are cautious not to lose the unique nature of our ministry.

This summer I planned Dayspring’s ministry through next June. We know what we will be doing a year from now. This does not mean we cannot be flexible if something comes up, but it does mean we can plan appropriately for what is on the horizon. Having a roadmap for the next year of ministry also allows me to look at what we have on the calendar, see where our weaknesses are, and what ministries need more attention.

There are a few changes that scare the heck out of me. Dayspring is doing well, so why try something new or make any changes? Because I don’t want us to rest and stagnate. I don’t want us to get too comfortable with where we are or what we are doing. I don’t want us to forget that our mission is not to create a nice place for us, but space so that others can come to know Christ.

I don’t like everything I am planning and some Dayspringers won’t either (we all like for things to stay the same), but my overriding question is: will it help multiply our outreach potential. So, hold on to your theater seats, because the most exciting part of the journey is yet before us!

This Sunday I am finishing my sermon series on church vision called NEXT. We are talking about service this Sunday. Next Sunday we are beginning a series on the Fruit of the Spirit. One of our church members made this video transition for the series. It is great–take a look: (http://vimeo.com/5655860). And if anyone knows how to embed vimeo videos into wordpress let me know!

Wherever two or more are gathered…there is dissent. But in a rare and wonderful expression of unity, the membership of Dayspring voted unanimously last Sunday – that’s 100 percent – to proceed with the acquisition of the land recommended by the property team.

I am so pleased with the unity of this first and historic decision by our young church.

I thank the large number of you who attended last week and made the time to take part in this discussion. The number and nature of the questions showed a high level of engagement and interest and for this also I am truly grateful.

If you were not able to attend, here is a brief recap:

• The property team identified a tract of land (16.52 acres to be exact) that met all of the criteria they were tasked to work against. After reviewing the property and finding it suitable, the team unanimously agreed to present it to the congregation.
• This past Sunday our congregation met for a time of communal discernment and consensus. With our District Superintendent present, representatives of the property team presented the property to the congregation and spoke about our financial commitments.
• After a time of questions and answers, each person casted a written ballot and we closed our time together with prayer.

A friend joked that I should record this day because “it will probably be the only time we all agree.” While that is probably quite true, I will remember the day for the many more significant things it means for Dayspring:

• The strong consensus and energy of this growing young church to create a lasting community for Christ in south Tyler.
• The blessing of being able to make such a commitment with such unity.
• The continued generosity all of you show with your time, talents and treasures for the advancement of Dayspring’s vision.

I am so glad to be part of what is taking place at Dayspring. I am confident that as we move toward a permanent home of our own, we will remain committed to our unique vision of bringing light and peace to people’s lives through the Dayspring from on high, Jesus Christ.

Yours on the journey,

Jeff Olive

A team from Dayspring has worked for almost a year searching for the right tract of property for the future of this congregation. We recently identified a property on the southwest side of Cumberland Road at Broadway (on the left as you enter Faulkner Park), that satisfies all of our criteria. In fact, it is the first among many options evaluated that garnered a unanimous vote by the team.

Next Sunday, the property will be presented to the congregation for a vote on this possible future home. We are getting very close to having a “Land” to call our own.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE THE VIDEO (PROPERTY VIDEO).

This week Dayspring will make the BIGGEST announcement of its young life. You do not want to miss this Sunday. Drop your lake plans, set your alarm, take your Tylenol—whatever you need to do, but do not miss this Sunday.